I’ve always believed the perfect dessert balances nostalgia with elegance, and this Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart does exactly that. It’s like a grown-up s’more that’s dressed for a dinner party—buttery crust, silky chocolate ganache, and those perfectly toasted marshmallows on top. You don’t need pastry chef credentials to pull this off, just good chocolate and a bit of patience. The contrast between the warm, gooey marshmallows and the cool, rich chocolate? That’s where the magic happens.
Why You’ll Love this Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart
Anyone who’s ever dreamed of the perfect s’mores-inspired dessert will fall head over heels for this chocolate-marshmallow tart.
I’m talking about a dessert that combines rich, velvety chocolate ganache with golden, gooey marshmallows—all nestled in a buttery crust.
What’s not to love? The contrast between the smooth chocolate and the slightly crispy, caramelized marshmallow top creates pure magic in your mouth.
Plus, it looks absolutely stunning on a dessert table. Can you imagine serving this at your next dinner party?
The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for those of us who aren’t pastry chefs.
What Ingredients are in Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart?
To create this indulgent dessert that channels all the nostalgic flavors of s’mores but in an elegant tart form, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Pre-made pie crust (or graham crackers if you prefer a graham cracker crust)
- Chocolate (either 70% dark chocolate for a richer flavor or Hershey’s bars for that classic s’mores taste)
- Heavy whipping cream (to create the silky ganache filling)
- Marshmallows (regular or mini will work, though mini ones melt more evenly)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially for the chocolate since it’s the star of the show—but don’t stress if you can’t find fancy chocolate bars; even good old Hershey’s will create a delicious tart that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make this Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Take your pre-made pie crust and gently press it into your tart pan, making certain it’s evenly distributed along the bottom and sides.
Use a fork to prick the bottom several times (this prevents bubbling), then bake at 450°F until it turns a lovely golden brown.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Ganache
While your crust cools, it’s time for chocolate magic.
Measure your chocolate and heavy cream using a 1.5:1 ratio by weight (that’s 1.5 parts chocolate to 1 part cream).
Place them together in a heatproof bowl and melt slowly, either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Fill the Tart Shell
Pour your velvety chocolate ganache into the cooled tart shell, gently tapping the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
The ganache should spread on its own into a perfectly smooth surface—no spatula needed if you’ve got the right consistency.
Step 4: Let the Ganache Set
Now comes the hardest part—waiting!
Let the tart sit undisturbed until the ganache has completely set, which usually takes about an hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
A properly set ganache will have a slight sheen and feel firm to a gentle touch.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Topping
Arrange your marshmallows across the top of the set ganache, covering the entire surface.
For a more professional look, place them in concentric circles; for a rustic charm, scatter them randomly but make certain they’re touching each other for that perfect pull-apart effect later.
Step 6: Broil to Golden Perfection
Position your oven rack in the middle position and set your broiler to low.
Place the tart under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes, keeping a constant watch—marshmallows go from burnt in seconds!
You’re looking for that campfire-golden color that brings all the s’mores nostalgia to life.
For an even more luxurious dessert experience, serve alongside a premium chocolate fountain where guests can dip additional marshmallows or fruit.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let your masterpiece cool completely before slicing.
This cooling period is essential—it allows all the flavors to marry together and guarantees clean slices when you’re ready to serve.
Trust me, the wait is worth it for those picture-perfect slices that will have everyone reaching for their phones.
What to Serve with Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart
This decadent tart deserves some thoughtful companions to round out your dessert spread. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates the perfect temperature contrast against the warm, toasty marshmallows.
For a cozy evening, pair with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate—the bitter notes in coffee particularly complement the rich chocolate ganache.
Looking for something invigorating? A small bowl of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
If you’re serving this at a dinner party, consider adding a little glass of dessert wine like port or a sweet moscato.
And honestly, sometimes the simplest addition—a light dusting of cocoa powder just before serving—is all you need.
Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart Substitutions and Variations
• Seasonal Touches: Add orange zest to the ganache for holiday flair, or top with crushed peppermint candies in winter.
Summer calls for a few fresh berries nestled among the marshmallows.
Leftovers and Storage for this Chocolate-Marshmallow Tart
This decadent tart is best enjoyed fresh when the marshmallow topping is still slightly gooey, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Simply cover with plastic wrap, being careful not to smush those beautiful toasted marshmallows.
For storage longer than 3 days, the tart freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
To refresh chilled leftovers, let the tart sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows the ganache to soften slightly, bringing back that perfect silky texture.
The marshmallow layer may lose some of its initial charm after storage, but the flavor combination remains deliciously intact.
Pro tip: If you’re planning ahead, consider toasting the marshmallows just before serving rather than before storage for the most impressive presentation.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate-marshmallow tart strikes that perfect balance between elegant dessert and nostalgic comfort food.
The contrast between the rich, silky chocolate ganache and the golden, toasty marshmallow topping creates something truly magical—a dessert that looks impressive but comes together with minimal fuss.
It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It also makes a delightful weekend project when you’re craving something indulgent yet approachable.
At the heart of it, this tart reminds us that sometimes the simplest combinations—chocolate and marshmallow—create the most memorable desserts.